It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since the Westin Denver International Airport first opened its doors, perched just steps from the bustling Jeppesen Terminal. For travelers arriving or departing from Denver, the hotel has become more than just a convenient place to rest—it’s a landmark in its own right, a part of the city’s skyline that signals the start of a Colorado adventure.
As the Westin celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s worth pausing to consider its place in Denver’s story. Whether you’re rolling in on an early flight, heading home after a ski trip or simply passing through on your way to somewhere else, the Westin offers a moment to pause—and perhaps raise a glass to 10 years of welcoming the world to Denver.
READ MORE: See the Colorful New Sculpture at Denver International Airport Made of Upcycled Luggage
“I’m proud to recognize our partnership with Marriott and celebrate 10 fabulous years of serving the traveling public,” says Phil Washington, chief executive officer of Denver International Airport. “The Westin truly elevates our customer experience by offering a top-tier hotel with amenities and dining options. The hotel has exceeded expectations and has become a recognizable part of DEN.”
The vision for the Westin didn’t come to life overnight. More than two decades ago, planners imagined a modern airport experience that would include an on-site hotel and a commuter rail line connecting DEN to downtown Denver. That vision came to life in November 2015, when the Westin opened as part of the DEN Hotel and Transit Center, offering 519 guest rooms, 35 suites and an expansive 37,500-square-foot conference center. Its architecture—designed by global firm Gensler—evokes the wings of a bird in flight, a striking complement to the iconic tented Jeppesen Terminal.
Since then, the hotel has welcomed more than 1.3 million room reservations, offering travelers from across the globe a front-row seat to the Rockies and a haven of comfort after long flights. Business travelers have found a home in the Westin’s expansive meeting spaces, while leisure travelers and families appreciate the indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center and pet-friendly amenities. From cappuccinos to old fashioneds, the Westin has quietly become a part of many travel rituals, serving thousands of drinks and countless meals over the past decade.
READ MORE: New Eateries, Activities and Shops at Denver International Airport
Yet the hotel is more than just numbers and amenities—it’s also about people. There are 35 original employees who have been with the Westin since the very beginning, greeting guests with a familiar smile and a touch of Colorado hospitality. Their dedication mirrors the broader evolution of Denver International Airport itself, which has grown into one of the busiest airports in the world and the state’s largest economic engine, generating billions annually for the region.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work of our Marriott Associates, whose legacy now spans 10 years in Denver,” says Kurt Hanson, general manager of the Westin Denver International Airport. “These remarkable individuals helped lay the foundation for what has become a true gateway to and from the Rocky Mountains—a center of hospitality that welcomes all to experience the greatness of our state. To everyone who has been part of this journey— past and present—thank you. Your contributions continue to push our hotel to be one of the very best in Colorado.”
For many, the Westin is a gateway in more ways than one. Its direct connection to the RTD A Line commuter rail makes a trip into downtown Denver just 37 minutes away, allowing visitors to swap terminal views for city streets, art galleries and craft breweries with ease. And with sweeping vistas of both the airport and the Rocky Mountains, the hotel offers a uniquely Denver perspective—where urban convenience meets natural grandeur.
Over the last 10 years, the hotel has hosted everything from business conferences to private celebrations, expanding its role beyond a mere airport amenity. Its open-air plaza has become a gathering space for travelers and locals alike, linking DEN to the community through arts, dining and events. Public art installations within the hotel echo the region’s character, celebrating Colorado’s landscapes and culture while providing a subtle reminder that even in an airport hotel, you are still very much in the Rockies.
In a city defined by its mountains and expansive skies, the Westin Denver International Airport has become part of the landscape, reminding every traveler that sometimes, the journey is just as remarkable as the destination.
